The Millers have a tough opening to 2018 starting with promotion-chasing Canvey Island on new years day. And in the first half, we just weren't at it as the hosts eased to the three points.

Inside two minutes and the hosts could've taken the lead if it wasn't for Rhys Madden making a wonderful save from close range to deny George Sykes' outside of the foot effort at goal.

It was relentless pressure with not many challenges going in from the Millers as Frankie Merrifield dominated the Aveley midfield in the first half. Merrifield then missed a glorious chance after George Sykes powered into the box, crossed it to Merrifield and Frankie missed the target from six yards out.

Despite the dominance from the hosts who deservedly took the lead. The build-up of the goal displeased Aveley. George Woodward recovered well and won the ball, however, the linesmen had adjudged "excessive force" was used in winning the ball leading to a free-kick. The free-kick was crossed in and centre-half Steve Sheehan headed home. Canvey 1-0 Aveley.

Canvey soon after their first, grabbed their second of the game and it was through their main man George Sykes who turned down Braintree Town in the summer. Merrifield broke the offside trap, squared it to Sykes, who was never going to miss from ten yards out. Canvey 2-0 Aveley.

The Millers struggled to create anything and didn't register a shot in the first half and with added on time the hosts extended their deserved lead. The third was from the corner, it found Sam Sheehan who was allowed a free-header and he made it two for himself and three for Canvey.

Half Time | Canvey Island 3-0 Aveley.

The Millers were improved in the second half, but after the first half performance, it couldn't have got much worse. The hosts did take their foot off the throttle but the Millers can take some confidence from the number of chances created.

Myles Keizer-Burrows collected the clearance from his throw-in, he then crossed into the box, found fellow centre-half Alex Stephenson unmarked, but his effort at goal hit his shoulder rather than his head which made it an easier save for Ashlee Jones.

Canvey did have two chances in the second half but Rhys Madden was equal to block Sykes near-post effort and tip over Merrifield stinging drive.

Alex Teniola controlled well and let rip on a powerful effort but it was comfortably saved from the Canvey keeper again. Jake Gordon, recently re-signed from Great Wakering Rovers tried his luck, but again was saved easily by Jones.

Ashlee Jones was at it again to deny two glorious chances for the Millers. First was Alex Teniola's powerful header destined for the bottom corner, but Jones managed to get down well to keep it out. And then the best chance of the game came for Robbie Rees. Lewis Gard played in Robbie Rees who had a one-on-one with Jones, but Jones denied Robbie's effort with his legs to keep us out.

The Millers weren't done there, but neither was Jones as Teniola turned his man in the box fired at goal, but yet again Jones saved to deny us a consolation.

Full Time | Canvey Island 3-0 Aveley.

Millers XI | Rhys Madden, Russell Malton, George Woodward (Max Bradford 61), Connor Witherspoon, Myles Keizer-Burrows, Alex Stephenson, Lewis Gard, Amir Berkane, Alex Teniola, George Doyle (Jake Gordon 61), Robbie Rees (Jordan Watson 81).

Unused Subs | Freddie Gard, Matthew Rose.

Canvey XI | Ashlee Jones, Jake Pitty (Chris Bourne 65), Ashley Dumas, Frankie Merrifield, Elliott Warren, Steve Sheehan, Harry Norman, Sam Collins (James Brown 84), George Sykes, James Walker (Teddy Nesbitt 70), Ryan Melaugh.

Unused Subs | Ryan Charles, Mitchell Gilbey.